The Patriarch of Changle offered to help Lingxiao at the Alchemy Convention.
“That won’t be necessary.”
Lingxiao shook his head and said, “I have confidence in myself.”
“In that case, I won’t say more. Let us instead discuss the matter of the Imperial Seal.”
The Patriarch of Changle suddenly changed the topic.
“What about the Imperial Seal?”
Lingxiao asked with a half-smile.
“Please do not misunderstand, young friend. I only wish to remind you that after you publicly announced you possessed the Imperial Seal, many people unrelated to the Alchemy Convention have arrived in Sin City. They may strike against you at any moment.”
The Patriarch of Changle warned.
“Thank you for your concern, senior. However, I made my words very clear. If anyone wants the Imperial Seal, that is fine, but it will involve the extermination of ten clans. I hope they do not regret it.”
Lingxiao’s words were both confident and a warning.
He knew that Changle Immortal Island also coveted the Imperial Seal, but they dared not seize it openly due to fear of the Moon Maiden.
Yet if his guess was correct, Changle Immortal Island was certainly scheming to obtain the Imperial Seal in secret.
“That may be so, but have you considered, young friend, that if several parties joined forces to seize the Imperial Seal, could the Moon Maiden block them all alone? Even if she could, you would hardly find peace for sleep or cultivation. Would you truly be willing to live under constant covetous threat?”
The Patriarch of Changle continued.
“That is indeed a problem. Does the Patriarch have any wise suggestions?”
Lingxiao asked with a smile.
“Actually, the matter is quite simple. Among the Seven Martial Sect Islands is one called ‘Vajra Island’. On Vajra Island stands a ‘Vajra Pagoda’. Anything placed within it cannot be taken even by warriors of the Yin-Yang Realm.”
The Patriarch of Changle said, “I suggest you first place the Imperial Seal inside the Vajra Pagoda. You may retrieve it once you truly possess the ability to use it.”
“Hmm, that is indeed a good idea.”
A mocking smile lifted the corners of Lingxiao’s mouth, though it vanished in an instant.
He knew this was merely a small trick by the Patriarch of Changle to obtain the Imperial Seal.
Since that was the case, why not grant his wish?
His Mountain-River Martial Soul could replicate anything, and that naturally included the Imperial Seal.
Of course, the replicated Imperial Seal, compared to the genuine article, would lack its special functions. It would only be identical in appearance and material.
But no one except him knew that.
If he could use a replica to divert the trouble, it would be a clever choice.
The Patriarch of Changle had spoken one truth: Lingxiao currently lacked the qualification to use the Imperial Seal. He could only rely on the Moon Maiden. If he insisted on keeping it, he might end up harming her.
“I wonder how one reaches Vajra Island?”
Lingxiao asked.
“After the Alchemy Convention ends, I shall personally escort you there.”
A flash of excitement appeared in the Patriarch of Changle’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
“Very well. This junior will take his leave now. I shall attend the Alchemy Convention tomorrow.”
Lingxiao rose and said.
“No rush. There may be something that interests you.”
The Patriarch of Changle replied.
“Oh?”
“According to the convention rules, the top twenty alchemists may undergo a ranking test before the convention begins. This will determine their new positions, which affect the selection of cauldrons, ingredients, and other matters on the opening day. It is rather important. Would you like to try?”
“But I do not seem to rank in the top twenty.”
Lingxiao asked.
“No need to worry. Anyone I recommend may participate in this test even if they are not in the top twenty. I forgot to mention that after the test, regardless of ranking, every participant receives a souvenir. The higher the rank, the better the item.”
The Patriarch of Changle declared with great authority.
“In that case, this junior will gladly accept.”
Lingxiao was not particularly interested in souvenirs. What interested him more was the chance to scout his opponents’ strength in advance.
That way, he could prepare accordingly.
“Since you are willing, young friend, follow me.”
The Patriarch of Changle personally led Lingxiao toward a certain building at the Alchemy Convention site.
It was a standalone structure, clearly constructed using some kind of treasure. It truly possessed an air of grandeur and solemnity.
“Creak!”
As the doors opened, a burst of noisy chatter emerged from within, along with countless gazes tinged with hostility.
Lingxiao looked up and, sure enough, saw Dan Qing and Ji Luoyu among them.
Among the twenty alchemists standing inside were four Yellow-grade alchemists, ten top Yellow-grade alchemists, and six outstanding advanced Yellow-grade alchemists.
When Lingxiao and the Patriarch of Changle entered the hall, all eyes turned toward him.
At first, they were surprised to see the Patriarch, but upon seeing Lingxiao, they almost unanimously revealed expressions of disdain.
Lingxiao also wore the badge of an advanced Yellow-grade alchemist, yet his badge was clearly brand new, recently obtained.
This meant he was merely a newcomer among advanced Yellow-grade alchemists. Few people in this hall would likely take him seriously.
Especially considering Lingxiao’s youth, their disdain grew even stronger.
Dan Qing was visibly startled upon seeing Lingxiao, but moments later, a cold smile appeared.
He had probably guessed that the Patriarch of Changle intended to let Lingxiao participate in this pre-convention prediction test, planning to make Lingxiao lose face at the Alchemy Convention.
Yet he could hardly wait any longer.
During the upcoming test, he would make this Lingxiao face reality.
As for the Little Medicine King Ji Luoyu, she merely glanced at Lingxiao casually before withdrawing her gaze and continuing to chat with the alchemists beside her.
She was clearly the centre of attention, surrounded by both male and female alchemists who regarded her with admiration and envy.
Yet no matter how those in the hall looked at him, Lingxiao remained calm.
The Patriarch of Changle beside him could not help but inwardly praise, “Worthy indeed of an outstanding member of the younger generation. Facing so many unfriendly gazes, he can remain so composed and unruffled. Impressive.”
However, he did not know that Lingxiao’s calm stemmed from confidence.
Lingxiao felt not tension, but rather an urge to laugh.
“Patriarch, why have you come?”
An unfamiliar face in the hall approached and asked.
This person was likely also from Changle Immortal Island, showing great respect to the Patriarch.
“Hmm. I brought a young fellow to participate in the test. If he makes it into the top twenty, add his name to the list.”
The Patriarch of Changle said indifferently.
“Patriarch, I’m afraid that would not be appropriate.”
The man frowned.
“What is inappropriate about it? It does not break any rules. As the organiser of this convention, do I not even have the authority to recommend a promising young genius alchemist?”
The Patriarch of Changle said with a stern face.
